For the third year running, West End Baptist Church’s basement became a toy store-for-a-day as toy distribution companies met with local Salvation Army, Suffolk Cheer Fund, and &uot;Toys for Tots&uot; organizers on Wednesday.

&uot;Toys for Tots&uot; has been in service around Christmas time for nearly 40 years.

Each year here in Suffolk, planning for exactly what toys will be delivered around town begins months in advance.

&uot;We’re just getting things going here,&uot; said Bill Ashley, director of local missions at West End Baptist.

&uot;This year, we hope to raise about $50,000-plus for the Suffolk Cheer Fund,&uot; said Ashley.

Specifically about Wednesday, Mercy USA, Namco, and Oscar Toys displayed tables full of toys in the church’s basement. When the seemingly acres of Barbies, remote control cars, board games, and stuffed animals were sorted through, decisions were made as to what will be bought for December.

The toys will arrive back in Suffolk in late November or early December; in time for &uot;Toys for Tots&uot; to do what they do best, giving out the toys during the week of Dec. 12 through 16.

andrew.giermak@suffolknewsherald.com